Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders' trial opens

Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders, set to become a shadow partner in the next Dutch government, went on trial Monday accused of inciting racial hatred against Muslims.The controversial politician with his signature shock of dyed-blonde hair risks up to a year in jail or a 7,600-euro fine for calling Islam "fascist" and likening the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf.The hearing in Amsterdam was opened by presiding judge Jan Moors shortly after 9:00 am (0700 GMT) with Wilders seated in the front row of the courtroom next to his advocate Bram Moszkovicz.

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Dutch anti-Islam MP Geert Wilders, set to become a shadow partner in the next Dutch government, went on trial Monday accused of inciting racial hatred against Muslims.The controversial politician with his signature shock of dyed-blonde hair risks up to a year in jail or a 7,600-euro fine for calling Islam "fascist" and likening the Koran to Hitler's Mein Kampf.The hearing in Amsterdam was opened by presiding judge Jan Moors shortly after 9:00 am (0700 GMT) with Wilders seated in the front row of the courtroom next to his advocate Bram Moszkovicz.

The Hague (AFP) - Far-right Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, who addressed participants at a Prophet Mohammed cartoon contest in Texas before a shooting erupted outside the event, believes he is on a mission to stop the "Islamisation" of the West.

A Dutch court convicted politician Geert Wilders of insulting and incting discrimination aagainst Maroccans, but it imposed no penalty on him. Wilders was charged regarding a 2014 incident in which he urged his supporters to chant they wanted “Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!” Moroccans in the Netherlands. The Dutch Moroccan minority was outraged and pressed charges.

He warns about the perils of Muslim immigrants. A single well-lobbed tweet can ignite his nation’s political scene for days. And in a time of relative prosperity, he has succeeded in focusing dark fears about what is happening in mosques across his land.

The Hague (AFP) - Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders blamed a "misunderstanding" for the failure Saturday of his planned airing of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, insisting they would now be broadcast next week.